Zha followed the Special Operations General out of the conference room. The various security checkpoints along the way manned by Irken Elite snapped crisp salutes at their passing. Each was returned in kind. A few corridors and an elevator ride later, the two officers made their way outside to the street level where transportation awaited them.
An Irken Elite awaited them curbside, opening the door for both the General and the High Marshal. Once both of them were through the threshold and surrounded by somewhat amicable arrangements in the back of a cadre transport fit for the Tallest themselves, only then did Vaukt's grisly attire stand in stark contrast to the plush, climate-controlled interior.
"...Now...that we can speak more candidly in private." The High Marshal began, seated across from Vaukt, she began to rummage about the integrated miniature bar. "...I am somewhat at a loss regarding your...relationship with the Supreme Commander. I have only heard hearsay and rumor, but nothing further. I prefer to get reliable information from direct sources and you are the most direct source on the subject."
Her conclusion was punctuated with the rattle of ice being deposited into a pair of growlers.
"Would you like a drink, General?"
"I'm quite fine, ma'am, thank you." Vaukt politely declined the drink as he briefly turned his attention to the driver. "C Company, First Regiment, Second Spec Ops Group." Once the driver, one of Vaukt's own men, acknowledged and the vehicle started moving, he relaxed.
"Are you sure?" She politely pursued. "No need to be so formal, Vaukt. I am not Grimm."
"Extremely sure, but do you mind if I smoke?"
Settling for drinking alone as she dumped the ice from one growler back into the container and finding a particular bottle of deep amber liquid, she carefully began to pour her drink.
"Only if you don't mind I partake as well." She smirked at him, capping the bottle once more before turning in her seat to face him proper, one long leg draping over the other.
Vaukt opened up a button on his overcoat and reached into an inner pocket, withdrawing a small case with cigars, pulling out a pair before stashing the case once more. After cutting off the ends of the cigars and holding one out for Zha, he lit a match, offering to light her smoke before lighting his own. A few quicker puffs at first to make sure it was lit fully before taking a longer one to enjoy the flavor before releasing it. "If you're willing to temporarily suspend what you said earlier, I can tell you the full extent of my...tenuous working relationship with Grimm."
Accepting the offered cigar, with his aid, she puffed until it lit. Leaning back into the bench seat once more with a sigh, she inspected the smoldering smoke momentarily before addressing him.
"As I said, this is informal. Off-the-record. I have only known you by report and reputation from the others." She smirked. "You are a very...eccentric and...pragmatic sort. The audacity to show up in your field uniform before the Tallest. I question your motives but admire your tenacity." The High Marshal concluded authentically before sampling her poured drink.
"I'm a field man. I wouldn't ask my troops to do anything I wasn't willing to do myself. I stay close to them, take risks to see what they need, give them any assistance needed. My men are greatly loyal to me given my actions.I usually attend such staff meetings by hologram. I have no time for stroking the ego of an arrogant c'hurta like Grimm when more pressing matters demand my attention. You're right. I'm very pragmatic. I like to win, with some degree of caution, even if I might resort to using unorthodox tactics." He paused to take a puff of his cigar. "I'll admit that given that, Grimm and I did not get along in the least."
Zha couldn't help but chuckle.
"That much I could gather given your...exchange, for lack of a better term. I, personally, have had no personal quarrel with the man but he is a bit of a glory-seeker. Concerned with the outcome, titles, and honorifics without considering the steps to get there." She assessed before taking a drag from her cigar and exhaling. "I appreciate your forthcoming attitude towards your station. You are a man that makes things happen and sees them through. I do not take a great deal of enjoyment in my former superior's death to end up on Vort for this momentous occasion but it is comforting to know that not everyone here is a complete imbecile."
"The late General was trying his best. Grimm moved his Elites too quickly, Yarnitch could not keep up. His replacement until you arrived followed Grimm's orders to keep up. That led to...what I mentioned earlier. I'm sure you saw the reports. Five divisions of Elites and a division of Troopers wound up encircled by the VDF and were eliminated. The entire offensive stopped for a month trying to deal with that massive gap left in our lines thanks to him. I ordered my men to rest. Ignored any message from Grimm. That was his mess, I wasn't about to throw away the lives of my men to clean it up for him." There was a clear tone of spite in his voice. There was a clear loathing of Grimm to him; professionally at first, and that extended into personal disdain.
"So I gathered in various reports on matters pertaining to those events." The High Marshal summarized with less than enthusiasm. "Vort was expected to present a great challenge for the Empire from the beginning, but Grimm's...overzealous approach has placed considerable strain on the Armada abroad. We appear to be regaining momentum with this second wind and finish what has been started."
Zha gave pause to sample her drink, swirling its contents in momentary contemplation as their transport casually navigated the war-torn streets of Tallum's suburbs and outskirts.
"Despite nearing the end of this campaign, I can assure you I have no intention of senselessly committed forces to suicidal tasks. The lot of you appear to have your PAKs on straight. So long as your commands fall within Imperial decree and coincide with my own, I am very much a hands-off leader. A general must trust their army, do they not?"
"Grimm didn't share your outlook. If the other commanders that preceded those you saw earlier didn't meet their end at the hands of some Vortian snipers, Grimm lobbed off their heads. The man's as much a threat to us to some extent as he is to the enemy if you ask me."
"His favor of his saber led me to leave mine in my quarters. I lead by example with respect, not fear." Zha concluded, pausing for a puff of her cigar. "...but...do not confuse my compassion for weakness. I will leave it to your imagination what becomes of those who fail to meet standards or defy orders….but...that is neither here or there."
A pause of curious consideration.
"This team of yours...you said they serve the Tallest directly? Does that not place them outside of Armada command structure?"
"One of the teams I plan on sending in? Very much so. Grimm requested they come in while the Tallest were incommunicado, and so they were dispatched for lack of anything more pressing for them to handle. As of yet, I haven't come across any order requesting their withdrawal from Vort. In fact, I wish I could even tell you what they do, but even that's unknown to me."
"Really…" Zha pursued with interest. "I have seen mention of classified reports, though heavily redacted, of several...experimental units being fielded after the disastrous invasion that was ID1. Safe to assume this team is one of those units?"
"This is perhaps the most secretive of them. A number of the other experimental units are under my direct purview. Among them are going to be the Scout Snipers. They'll be among those going in as recon and support for my teams. This team? They were the direct inception of the Tallest. I hardly know any of the details, but from my meetings with their commander and XO, I can assure you they're solid. I'd fight alongside them any day of the week."
"You speak highly of them. I am looking forward to meeting them for myself. Anything in particular I should know beforehand about them?"
"Only that you don't judge them by their height. If you think I'm unconventional, these guys give me a run for my money."
The High Marshal's sharp brow furrowed in a mixture of confusion and bemusement at Vaukt's unorthodox assessment.
"Why would I pass judgment? They are capable soldiers under your command, are they not?" She queried, depositing ashes from her cigar into a tray. "As far as appearances are concerned, they matter little to me. We are fighting a war, not marching in a parade...within reason, of course. The uniform is the foundation of discipline, after all."
"I know of far too many caught up in height, and their commander is shorter than your typical Commander. Otherwise, I prefer to let my men speak for themselves. They're astoundingly skilled and my words will not do them justice over what they can tell you and how their performance will show."
"Personal biases aside, I can abide by that." Zha teased lightly at his glowing opinion of these soldiers beneath his command. "Nevertheless, I am quite eager to meet them first-hand. Curious, even if they are even a fraction of what you claim them to be."
The cadre entourage arrived outside the restaurant late in the evening, followed by a light utility vehicle. Out of the latter, an officer and her understudy stepped out with bags packed. Out of the former, the General himself, along with the recently appointed commander of all operations on Vort.
High Marshal Zha, patiently waiting until the rear door was opened by their driver and promptly saluted, followed after General Vaukt's departure. She starkly contrasted the battle-weathered field attire of Vaukt. A pristinely-pressed and polished officer's uniform not unlike that of Grimm's. Not a button out of place or missing pleated crease. A tall, lithe female with piercing green eyes and sharp, predatory features.
She followed after Vaukt at a more casual gait. Her demeanor was one of curiosity...peculiar curiosity. Enamored by this impromptu forward operations base in lieu of a proper garrison. Rather than station themselves at one of the several bases around Tallum's outskirts, they resided within their peer adversary's structures. Far closer to the front while remaining undetected.
Corr, on a break, sat at the bar, downing a Vortian liquor. As he put his shot glass down, he saw the General enter and immediately snapped to attention. "General Vaukt, sir." The entrance of a third officer seemed to confuse him further. A High Marshal? What was she doing here?
"I need to see your Commander. I have things to discuss. Some good news, but I have another mission for you."
"Right away, sir." Corr walked off to alert Vult to Vaukt's arrival before returning to the bar.
Vaukt meanwhile took a seat at a corner booth with his two companions sitting outboard of him, the General's back against the wall, just as he would prefer.
The High Marshal was yet to take a seat. Rather, she slowly paced the empty barroom floor at a casual gait. Hands clasped behind her back and heeled boots clicking on the dirt-covered, muddy floorboards of what was once a lively establishment, she simply took in the sights. A great deal of Imperial supplies were present. Rations, munitions, medical supplies, and the sort. This team was quite well-stocked considering the logistical nightmare the Empire was contending with being stalled out in their advances. It appeared Vaukt, in fact, played favorites at first glance, it would seem.
A short while later, the cacophony of boots from the stairs leading to the floors above grew in volume. Belonging to none other than Corr and his superior officer whom he was summoned to retrieve as the pair appeared. The blue-eyed Commander had not been briefed on anything beyond that General Vaukt had arrived and requested his presence. The second part about the visiting High Marshal had gone unheard and realized about the time he spotted Zha's pristine uniform and rank.
Stopping himself short of uttering a swear under his breath in realization, the Commander quickly snapped to attention before her rather than proceeding past to the seated General.
"High Marshal, Ma'am." He snapped a crisp salute, placing his cybernetic arm on full display. A curiosity that earned a faint arching of a fine brow from Zha.
"Commander," She returned cordially with her own salute. "At-ease."
"Commander, good to see you again. There's some updates to inform you of." Vaukt gestured to Zha, "This is High Marshal Zha, she's taking over in the final stage of operations on Vort. Grimm's been recalled to Irk."
The High Marshal gave a slight inclination of her head in greeting at Vaukt's mentioning.
Vult, caught up in the motions of recognizing rank and all that encompassed formalities, nearly missed the General's explanation to Zha's presence. Taking over? Grimm recalled to Irk? A considerable bit of restraint was exercised to not make his relief visible. Rather, he settled for a nod of understanding.
"Congratulations, High Marshal. Humbled as I am to be paid a personal visit by two of the Empire's highest-ranking officers, I am somewhat curious to your presence...if you'll excuse my forthcomingness."
Zha gave a thin smile. A bit less blunt...or crass than the likes of Vaukt but it appeared that the fruit did not fall far from the tree. His men were inquisitive, but not overly paranoid. A balance of competency and loyalty to be expected in all disciplined Imperial soldiers.
"Worry not, Commander. This is an informal introduction, not a field inspection.,." She assured with a raised hand, gesturing to the seated Vaukt. "It has been brought to my attention by General Vaukt that you and your team are responsible for aiding in securing Major General Saro's sector. Something I, the Armada, and the Empire at-large, are grateful for."
It took a great deal of restraint on Vult's behalf to not speak the less-than-shining truth regarding Saro's supposed success. Their "assistance" in the matter likely saved the Captain-turned-General from a summary execution at the hands of the ever-impatient Grimm. Rather than indulge in the opportunity to take full credit, he settled for humility.
"You humble us, High Marshal. Major General Saro required tasks to be completed and orders were followed...but it is refreshing to hear appreciation of our efforts from time-to-time." He concluded on a somewhat cheekier note.
Something Zha found equal humor in with a chuckle.
"Credit is to be given where it is due, Commander...and you are owed a great deal from my limited understanding." She reasoned, gesturing to the table where Vaukt resided. "Come, have a seat. I am eager to hear more."
"As you wish, High Marshal...but I must forewarn you that due to the...sensitive nature of classified information I may not be at liberty to go into detail." The Commander prefaced as he moved to join Zha and Vaukt. "It would be in poor form to violate regulations before my commanding officers, after all."
"I mentioned earlier that much of what you do is classified. I trust your judgment as it is." Vaukt chimed in, looking briefly to his two subordinates, "Either of you want a drink?"
"If you're offering, sir, I'd be glad to have a drink." The officer spoke up in response.
"Go see the Captain over there, see if you can grab a bottle of whatever's good they still have around here. Bring glasses."
"You got it." The field surgeon slipped out of the booth to retrieve the drinks as Vaukt pulls out a cigarette carrier this time instead of the cigars for earlier and lights one, giving Vult the go ahead to proceed.
The Commander settled in, watching the two Spec Ops soldiers the high-ranking officers had brought with them proceed towards the bar across the way. Two new, fresh faces, medical personnel based off of their equipment and uniform regalia. He left his questions to ruminate for the time being, turning his attention back to Vaukt and Zha.
"So...Vult, correct?" The High Marshal queried, seeking to commit a name and face to memory.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"As I mentioned before sitting down, this is rather informal. Purely a meet-and-greet, if you will." She sought to clarify. "I won't waste your time with trivial details, but as of earlier today, Supreme Commander Grimm has been relieved of operational command over the campaign to conquer Vort. Per the Tallests' orders, I have succeeded him to continue the offensive. I felt it prudent to inform you in-person rather through General Vaukt considering your...relationship with Grimm prior."
Vult cast a brief, knowing glance to Vaukt before responding.
"I...do not want to speak ill of superior officers, but I am fortunate that General Vaukt was able to act as our intermediary between myself and Supreme Commander Grimm." He diplomatically navigated.
"Understandable...and commendable of you," Zha observed, taking up Vaukt's cigarette case he left on the table before them. "May I?"
"Go ahead," offering to light the High Marshal's smoke once she withdrew it from the case. "I look out for my men. Even if the Commander and his team aren't under my direct command, they are spec ops, may as well help them out while they're here. I know how the Supreme Commander can be."
"To echo the Commander's sentiment, it is in bad taste to speak ill of superiors." Zha settled for a knowing tone of insinuation. "...and while we are on that topic. Your...unit...what is your official designation and whom do you report to officially?"
Vult did not immediately speak. While High Marshal Zha was far more approachable and welcoming, she was all the more concerning on that front. The sort of cunning to lay traps for the unsuspecting and patiently lie in wait to strike. Her striking eyes, something about them. A predatory sheen to them. Personable as she was, she was most certainly poking and prodding for weaknesses.
"I...am not at liberty to discuss whom I report to. General Vaukt is my intermediary and commanding officer for all intents and purposes. My unit's official designation is classified. We are beneath General Vaukt's command as a Special Operations unit."
The High Marshal only arched a single brow of mixed curiosity and mild annoyance at the blue-eyed commander's evasion of her queries. A thoughtful drag of her cigarette was taken before speaking once more.
"I can see why you were chosen to be its commanding officer. Dutiful, diplomatic, and of integrity." She observed, looking to Vaukt. "Is there anything you can tell me? I am not after secrets, only to know what assets I have at my disposal on the eve of a very large operation I just assumed command of."
Vult awkwardly cleared his throat to gain Zha's attention.
"Not to...snub General Vaukt but I have Level 9 Security Clearance...unless he feels inclined to...circumvent that, I am afraid that I have higher clearance than even he does...Ma'am."
"Oh...I see," Zha seemed legitimately surprised at this revelation.. "Is this true, General?"
"It is, actually," Vaukt answered, pausing to take a drag of his smoke, "I have one level below his. I can only see some redacted things as it's pertinent to my own operations here." He looked up to see his compatriots return with drinks.
"Hope you like some clear stuff, sir."
"It'll do, thanks." Vaukt poured himself a glass and drank it straight. The Sublieutenant herself diluted it slightly with some water from her canteen before drinking from her own glass. "Oh, by the way, I wanted to introduce you to these two, Commander. A couple of my most trusted medics, I figured you could use them for what's up ahead. This is Sublieutenant Zutel and Private First Class Posa, her apprentice. Zutel's patched me up more times from shrapnel wounds more times than I can count. She's also an accomplished field surgeon."
"Just doing my job, General. Especially since I'd hate to see who'd replace you." She gestured to him with her glass, no apparent scars from what was visible in her own field uniform. Dark blue eyes, green skin. Her uniform bore the standard medic's insignia though the color was subdued for blending in. Even more apparent was black armor she was wearing, nothing to their caliber, but it was rated for a few plasma blasts at best, mostly to defend against shrapnel and incoming railgun projectiles.
"I'd also rather not find out." Vaukt shot her a smirk. "She was with us during the first round up at Praxxus, along with various smaller operations before that. Probing measures, mostly. Posa here is newer, but she's a damn quick study, good mind about her."
The junior to Zutel was a paler hue of green. A dusting of darker spots that could pass for freckles graced both cheeks beneath big, bright, burgundy eyes. Dressed similarly in that of a field medic with appropriate rank, her demeanor was...interesting. For a supposed special forces soldier and medic likely introduced to the grisly horrors of war on a routine basis, she was abnormally...upbeat. Energetic, even. Curled, springy antenna curved back into upwards coils, bouncing as she snapped to attention with a crisp salute.
"Private First Class Posa…" A pause, then confusion, and a sheepish smile towards Zutel revealing a center gap in her teeth, splitting her upper row with the faintest sliver. "...I...am not sure what our unit...or station...or duties are now...little help, Ma'am?"
The High Marshal chuckled, tapping her ashes into the tray near the center of the table.
"She certainly doesn't lack enthusiasm, does she?" Zha commented.
"No, Ma'am, she does not." Vult answered.
"Well, for now we're still officially part of General Vaukt's headquarters," Zutel began, "though, for the duration we'll be attached to the Commander's unit."
"Precisely. If anything changes I'll let you both know of it." Vaukt added, "Commander, anything you need these two for, they're yours for the duration."
The Commander played mental catch-up amidst the conversation. The introduction had become a revelation of reassignment...beneath his command. New soldiers, two complete strangers to him and his team, to be introduced to the fold beneath the authority of others. It was fortunate he had practice at maintaining his composure and masked his surprise and suspicions well. Was this Vaukt's doing...or Zha's? An affluent gesture or a test of loyalty? Rather than risk the path of paranoia further, Vult settled for remaining amicable.
His hesitance, however brief or subtle, did not go under the High Marshal's radar.
"Something wrong, Commander?" Zha queried between drags.
"No, nothing is wrong, High Marshal." He assured, internally cursing himself for a moment's lapse as he turned in his seat toward the bar, calling out to his seated second-in-command.
"Corr, a moment."
The Captain set down his half full pint of beer and walked over, snapping to attention, "Yes, Commander?"
Vult nodded his head to the two new medics.
"Take the Sublieutenant and her understudy to Sula. Have her get them squared away on basic SOPs. I'll follow-up with you later."
"Right away, Commander." His head turned sharply to Zutel and Posa, "Sublieutenant, Private, come with me." He led the way, Zutel taking her glass with her and Posa following, leaving the two high ranking officers left at the table with the Commander.
"So, ma'am, do you mind if I inform the Commander of our end game, or would you like to do that?"
"I'd rather not make a habit of pushing my responsibilities off on subordinates like my predecessor." She smugly smiled, tapping her ashes as she took up one of the poured drinks for herself. "General Vaukt has a full dossier to supply you with the finer details but the general plan is as-follows: Tallum's defenses are on borrowed time. All sectors have been moving their forces in preparation to converge the moment that they falter and fail completely. My...concern with this is our adversaries are just as intelligent as we are. They know what is coming is inevitable."
"Meaning that if we were on the defense, we would negate the enemy's superior numbers and funnel them into pre-planned routes to be slaughtered wholesale." Vult concluded her tactical assessment.
"Precisely. I fully expect Tallum to be a booby-trapped and sabotaged nightmare. Reconnaissance has picked up an increase in seismic activity and visible clouds rising around the city. Our artillery cannot penetrate and they aren't firing on themselves."
"Controlled detonations."
Zha smiled.
"I am beginning to see why you were chosen for this unit...but yes, I agree. They intend to make our approach as difficult as possible. Narrow streets, no visibility, limited escape paths...and if I were a gambling woman, I'd have overwatch on the citadel to designate targets for artillery."
"Conventional tactics will result in high casualties." Vult concluded, earnestly curious to what the High Marshal had in mind. "I take it your approach does not echo the Supreme Commander's strategy of clogging the VDF's guns with our dead?"
The High Marshal authentically laughed.
"No, no, of course not. Not if it can be avoided." She sighed, swirling her drink. "General Vaukt informed me of you and your team and I believe that you are the key to breaking this siege in our favor. While we have waited this long to finish the campaign, as I said, doing so on the Vortian's terms will result in heavy losses. They've had too many hollow victories handed to them as it is."
"You intend to strike preemptively before the barrier fails?" Vult queried.
"I do. The remaining defenders are focused on our massing forces outside of the phasic barrier. They have had relative peace within its boundaries. A...false sense of security, even. The plan General Vaukt and I discussed is to insert your team discreetly and begin preparing for the main offensive. There is little we can do until the barrier falls, but a small team moving quietly inside of the barrier will attract little attention."
"What is it you had in mind?"
"An exponential reduction in their capabilities." Zha began, pausing for another drink. "We know Tallum is littered with AA sites. Dozens...hundreds, even...and that is only the ones we have discovered or seen. Wide variety of munitions - energy, ballistic, guided, unguided. They've brought everything they have left to bear, even if it is obsolete. Same goes for their artillery batteries surrounding the citadel on its lawn."
Vult mentally mulled over the information being presented to him. Zha was giving a grand overview and Vaukt likely held the specifics, but he had enough information to formulate a tactical assessment. She was probing cursory for his competence...and commitment. The creeping paranoia in the back of his mind in regard to their ongoing subversion and associating with enemies of the Empire were promptly squashed in favor of a more level head. She seemed genuine...seemed being the key word.
"My team has access to a VDF-registered, stealth-capable craft. In theory, we should be able to pass through the barrier and not be immediately targeted by VDF automated defenses on IFF alone. The lack of early warning detection should put the manned defenses at-ease." He began, his blue eyes shifting to Vaukt. "Once we make our insertion, what are our objectives? Skilled and resourceful as we are, I somehow doubt we can disable hundreds of AA sites."
"The good news is you won't be going in there alone. I've got my best teams going in with you at various other insertion routes. Objectives will be divided, you'll have some overlap with other teams so the lot of you can assist or pick up the slack if others go down if need be. Primary focus is to disable anti-air. If you can, disable any artillery batteries you come across, otherwise mark their coordinates and send them in." He paused to take a drag of his smoke and flick the ash off into the tray on the table, "For your team, though, I have one special objective. I'll have supply guys come by with a set of explosives that I'll hold onto the detonator for. Plant charges to bring down three pylons of the phasic barrier. That'll cause it to fall. From there, High Marshal Zha takes over the fun part."
Another brief pause followed as Vaukt poured himself another drink, "Or, I should say her part. Spec Ops falls back after that. Those of the door kicker variety will act as strategic support. Though, given the amount of troops we have here, I think we can finally afford to give teams like yours a break."
The overview seemed simple enough to the Commander. Standard fare for Spec Ops, really. Infiltration, subterfuge, subversion, sabotage, and extraction. No conventional tactics or engagements. To say it gave him somewhat of a relief after their harrowing experience beneath the surface against the SIS and their augmented operatives was an understatement.
It echoed their near-flawless preemptive strike against VDF communications arrays on Praxxus 7. The difference between then and now was the quality of defenders. The communications outpost on Praxxus 7 was staffed and defended by rank-and-file VDF soldiers. The average infantryman or specialist in their field. While competent, they were predictable in their responses relying on the rigidity of regulations and training.
The men and women currently standing before the full might of the Empire within Tallum were of a whole different breed entirely. The uninitiated, fresh-faced, and unproven members of their armed forces were no more. They had either surrendered, abandoned their posts, or fell to their Irken invaders in great swathes planetwide beneath combined arms. What remained were the survivors. Those with the gumption, tenacity, determination, and burning fury to resist unto the bitter end against their transgressors. Battle-hardened after many grueling months of the Empire's literal waves of soldiers crashing against their defenses, steadily pushing them back until there was nowhere left to retreat to. Veterans who had made their Irken aggressors pay for every inch of ground gained in blood.
The haunting comparison to the Empire's own unwavering commitment to see their objectives completed was not lost on Vult. Something that, begrudgingly in light of recent events, had grown to respect an adversary. Admire to a degree, even. These people were fighting for their very existence. To preserve their way of life and culture against outside invaders, echoing the recent past he had only recently been made aware of through Calla. The Irken "lost" the very war that the Vortians now saw themselves committed to.
The High Marshal did not miss the proverbial gears turning behind Vult's azure eyes. She sparsely studied him for a few brief seconds, taking the time for one long, final drag of her smoke and stubbing it out into the tray before speaking.
"Monie for your thoughts, Commander?" Zha queried, leaning back comfortably into the booth with her drink in hand.
Vult shook himself from his thoughts, returning his attention to the conversation at hand.
"Nothing immediately comes to mind, High Marshal. It is...refreshing to see our talents being utilized more appropriately instead of aiding conventional frontline units in their tasks. I nearly forgot what it was like to operate with the advantage of surprise."
"I can only imagine based on your recent redacted reports I have been made privy to," Zha chuckled, reading between the lines. "Each branch and their specialties are tools to be used for specific tasks. I will go out of my way to ensure the appropriate tool is used for the appropriate task."
"Something I and my team greatly appreciate, Ma'am."
"Your job is difficult enough as it is. No need to complicate it further." She reasoned with a small shrug, sampling her drink. "General Vaukt is a resourceful, brilliant strategist and will not lead you astray. The sooner your team completes its objectives, the sooner I can deliver the final, decisive blow to this campaign and raise the Imperial banner above Tallum."
Vaukt looked at a watch on his left wrist, VDF issue and clearly something acquired while on campaign, but for the General it fit his purposes for the moment. "I was thinking of having all teams begin deployment and commence operations in four hours. Think you and your men are going to be ready by then? I can buy you maybe thirty minutes more at most if you really need it, but it's do or die time. Lest the Tallest begin coming down on more of our heads with continued delays and casualties."
The High Marshal did not miss Vult's hesitance to respond to his superior. Not for a lack of willing, but the clear calculation of time needed.
"Commander."
"Yes, Ma'am?"
"How much time do you need? To be briefed in full, prepare your team, and be ready to insert?"
"It can be potentially done in four hours-" Vult began, echoing Vaukt's timeframe before being cut off by the High Marshal.
"Not what is being offered, Commander. What is ideal to you."
"Ideal?" He echoed with some consideration. "...assuming the ideal time to insert would be under the cover of darkness...the soonest would be 12 hours. 24 hours if I were to be perfectly honest. That would allow a full rotation of rest for my team, tasks assigned, inventory checklists, and contingencies in place to increase our chance of success for the completion of our objectives."
Zha mulled over Vult's honest assessment, polishing off the rest of her poured drink, and setting the glass back down on the table.
"I give you 24 hours, are you going to guarantee me success?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Vult said with conviction. "One way or another, we will crack the barrier and open the floodgates for your forces to begin the offensive push into Tallum."
Her bright green eyes drifted to Vaukt beside her.
"What do you think, General? Can we spare another day to increase our chances of victory? Impatient as the Tallest are at this stage, there is one thing that separates me from Supreme Commander Grimm. I led a successful campaign across multiple worlds with minimal losses beneath the expected timeframe...I would like to believe that will earn me some favor of patience beneath the circumstances should I see to it the magic happens once again."
The General mulled over some numbers in his head. There was some brief silence, he came forth at first with a light shrug, "More time for us means more time for them as well. However, it would leave nothing to chance, even on my own end." He pondered further still for a few more moments, "I can still deploy the Scout Snipers on our initial time frame, recon only, no engaging the enemy unless absolutely necessary. Have them solidify locations of all emplacements and artillery positions they can find in a day. Should make things easier for our sabotage teams and the flyboys once the barrier comes down. You'll also have their long range fire support once that time comes, if you need it."
"A fair point, but thanks to Grimm's...tactical brilliance, they have had months to dig in and prepare. One more day is going to make little difference." Zha observed, if not somewhat bitterly at the challenge laid before her due to the incompetence of others. "Nevertheless, I appreciate your honesty, Commander. I have seen far too many soldiers in your position blindly profess their capabilities in fear of retribution and ultimately fail to meet their own standards."
"If only you had been at the head of this campaign from the beginning, High Marshal." Vult forced a smile. "Maybe the Empire would not be quagmired as it is now."
Zha gave an authentic laugh.
"Now who is humbling who, Commander?" She sighed, tapping the table as she straightened up in preparation to rise, motivating the men to do the same out of respect. "For what it is worth, I did not come speak to you personally to stroke my own ego. I sought assurance in the capabilities of my assets. Your service record and conviction are enough to assure me whatever task I present to you, it will be seen through."
"Difficult to claim superiority of skill when your own standards slack, Ma'am." Vult cheekily answered as he stood at-ease.
Vaukt cracked a smirk. "I think I should inform the other teams of the extended timetable we have now. I should also fill in the Commander of his initial objectives, at least for the time being. I'm sure there will be more once we have recon report in from behind the lines down the road."
Zha nodded, turning her attention back to Vult before extending a hand.
"I will leave you to it, Commander. It has been a pleasure. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Vult hard-stopped himself from dropping off the deep end of his mind at such implications and settled for the surface value of her earnest words. His cybernetic right hand extended, grasping the High Marshal's in a mutual handshake.
"Thank you, High Marshal."
"After Vort is secured, I expect to hear the tale of how you came to possess that." She smirked, gesturing to his artificial appendage. "I had better return to field HQ before my staff panics about my whereabouts. Good hunting, Commander."
She turned with the intention of returning to the cadre vehicle parked outside. The polished heels of her boots clipped across the dusty floorboards of the tavern-turned-outpost. Once she was out of antenna-shot, Vult's blue eyes snapped to Vaukt, zeroing in with purpose.
"Once you have made your rounds, General, it is imperative that I speak to you further about our...arrangement...in private, Sir."
Very much a "we have to talk" tone if there ever was one.
Vaukt nodded, "Indeed, I'll return in about an hour." He also seemed keen to talk as he made his own departure after making sure he pocketed his cigarette case.